Ecological conservation projects in the Gaoling District of Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, have significantly improved the ecological environment along the Weihe River and Jinghe River, fostering wildlife habitation in local wetlands and drawing visitors to the distinct natural wonder where the rivers converge.
The Yellow River, known as the "mother river" of the Chinese nation and the second-longest river in China, has the Weihe River as its largest tributary. The Jinghe River, in turn, is the largest tributary of the Weihe River.
When the Weihe River and Jinghe River converge in the Gaoling District, they create a striking natural spectacle where one river runs clear while the other flows muddy, side by side without blending, thus forming a clear boundary.
The Gaoling reach of the Weihe River stretches for 22 kilometers, with embankments spanning 30.6 kilometers.
In the governance of the Weihe River, the Gaoling District upholds the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, prioritizing eco-environmental conservation and promoting green development.
"The flood control project for the Gaoling reach of the Weihe River has been gradually completed. The roads on top of the embankments span 30.6 kilometers. This project has significantly enhanced the flood control capacity of this area and safeguarded the lives and property of those living along the Weihe River's banks. The greening project for the embankment slopes, covering 1.12 million square meters, has also been completed, creating a well-structured green landscape and a picturesque environment," said Shi Gang, director of the Weihe River governance office in Gaoling.
Besides, the Gaoling District has implemented a shelterbelt forest project along the embankments, covering a planting area of over 1,400 mu (about 93.3 hectares) and comprising more than 6,000 trees, including Chinese scholar trees, horse chestnuts, and ginkgo trees.
Through the implementation of these projects, the ecological environment along the Weihe River has been improved.
In addition to implementing comprehensive protection measures for the Weihe River and Jinghe River, the Gaoling District also governs the wetlands of these rivers, as they are part of a provincial-level nature reserve.
"The first aspect involves patrols. We increase daily patrols of wetlands within the jurisdiction, promptly identifying any illegal activities. The second aspect focuses on boosting publicity efforts. We distribute publicity materials door-to-door in villages, aiming to raise public awareness about wetland conservation," said Wu Gaoming, an officer for wetland patrol and protection in Gaoling.
Since wetland governance has been implemented, the population of wild animals inhabiting the wetlands has increased.
"In the area where we stand, a variety of wild animals are frequently seen, such as wild ducks, egrets, and pheasants. We have established five mobile monitoring stations, building this area into a good habitat for wild migratory animals," Wu said.
With the improvement of the local ecological environment, the authorities have constructed a viewing platform and promenades for people to appreciate the natural spectacle of the two rivers and the beautiful surrounding environment.
"We build the promenades to provide a better viewing experience for both residents and tourists. From the best viewing spot where we stand to the nearest viewing spot below, we aim to allow people to take photos and enjoy the scenery from various angles. In the future, we plan to add more distinctive functions here, including leisure activities such as a recreational vehicle campsite, hot air balloon rides, and camping experiences," said Zhao Rui, director of the operations management department at the Gaoling Urban Investment Group Company.
Ecological conservation projects enhance river ecosystems in China's Xi'an
